SUPERPLASTICITY IN HARD-TO-MACHINE MATERIALS

Progress in the development of predictive models for superplasticity i n metal matrix composites and in intermetallic and ceramic materials i s described. Intermetallic materials deform in a conventional superpla stic manner. In metal matrix composites, the role of threshold stresse s, alloy composition, and texture are important and not well understoo d. Superplastic models in ceramic materials require proper description s of the viscous glassy phase that often exists in grain boundaries.